Next week, on January 29th, Koreans will celebrate 설날(Seollal), the Lunar New Year. While it typically falls in February, this year it’s arriving a bit earlier.
Seollal is a three-day holiday, but the Korean government has designated the Monday before as an additional holiday this year, offering a rare long weekend.
Seollal is a special time in Korea when families gather to welcome the new year together. In this post, let’s explore the meaning of Seollal, its key traditions, and how Koreans celebrate this cherished holiday.
What is Seollal?
Seollal, celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, has been a significant holiday since the Joseon Dynasty. It’s not just the beginning of a new year but also a time to express gratitude to ancestors and strengthen family bonds. Families prepare traditional food to honor their ancestors and perform rituals, symbolizing a fresh start with renewed hope and determination.
Key Traditions of Seollal
차례 (Charye, Ancestral Rituals)
On the morning of Seollal, families perform Charye, a ritual to express gratitude to their ancestors. A ceremonial table is set with meticulously prepared traditional dishes, and family members bow together to honor their forebears. This ritual fosters respect for heritage and reinforces family unity.
세배 (Sebae, New Year’s Bowing)
One of the most anticipated moments, especially for children, is Sebae, where they kneel and bow deeply to their elders as a gesture of respect and to convey New Year’s wishes. In return, elders offer words of wisdom (덕담, deokdam) and Sebae money(세뱃돈), a cash gift that children eagerly look forward to.
떡국 (Tteokguk, Rice Cake Soup)
Eating tteokguk, a warm soup made with sliced rice cakes, is a beloved Seollal tradition. This dish symbolizes growing a year older, as Koreans historically celebrated aging collectively at the start of the new year.
Although Korea recently adopted international age-counting standards, many still follow traditional practices, making this dish a symbol of cultural continuity.
전통놀이 (Traditional Games)
Seollal is a time for family fun, with games like 윷놀이(yutnori, a board game played with wooden sticks), 연날리기(kite flying), and 제기차기(jegichagi, a shuttlecock-kicking game). These activities enhance the festive spirit and bring generations together.
Personally, I enjoy yutnori for its simplicity and ability to engage everyone.
(Check out my post about yutnori if you’d like to learn more!)
How Do Koreans Spend Seollal?
Spending time with family or visiting one’s hometown is the heart of Seollal. This creates heavy traffic as people travel across the country. Families often prepare holiday dishes together and enjoy quality time.
However, as families become smaller and urbanization increases, Seollal customs have evolved. Some people opt for simpler celebrations or even travel abroad during the holiday. It’s bittersweet to see certain traditions fade, but this reflects modern lifestyles.
How Can Foreigners Enjoy Seollal?
If you’re in Korea during Seollal, here are some ways to immerse yourself in the culture:
Wear Hanbok (Traditional Korean Clothing):
Try on hanbok to experience Korea’s traditional elegance.
Make Tteokguk:
Cook your own tteokguk with simple ingredients to enjoy a taste of Korean tradition.
Play Yutnori:
Buy or make a yutnori set and enjoy this fun and easy game with friends or family.
Share Deokdam (Words of Blessing):
Practice Korean phrases like:
- "새해 복 많이 받으세요" – "Wishing you a prosperous new year."
- "항상 행복하세요" – "Always be happy."
Discover Korean Culture Through Seollal
Seollal offers a glimpse into Korea’s rich traditions, family-oriented culture, and warm relationships. By experiencing this holiday, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Korean values and ways of life.
Let’s make 2025 a year to connect more with Korea and its beautiful traditions.
새해 복 많이 받으세요! 😊
